seggert:

Yes, cut them back. This will encourage lower branching and stimulate the tree to grow. Don't worry about the feathers. The trees will grow their own new feathers, and when they do you can begin to choose your scaffold limbs.

Good choice of rootstock. Depending on the vigor of the cultivar above, you can end up with quite a large tree or a nice, compact little tree. Next time you post, mention the varieties. Someone may recognize them and provide useful tips.

Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA